What Is the Best Way to Care for African-American Hair?
African American hair care regimens are as diverse as the community itself. This is mainly because many African Americans have a mixed heritage. There is no one hair care regimen that fits all African Americans. All hair has three layers: an outer cuticle, a middle cortex and a central medulla. However, in African Americans, the outer cuticle is thicker, causing the hair to be more prone to dryness and breakage. Typically, African Americans can wear their hair in three ways: natural, relaxed or weaves/extensions. Each state requires a different regimen. Does this Spark an idea?
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How to Care for Natural Hair
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Natural hair means it is devoid of chemical processing including relaxers, perms or weaves/extensions. Natural hair tends to be curlier and thicker and sometimes drier and is best handled when wet to prevent breakage. Depending on the type, natural hair should be washed at least once a week with moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners. Air drying or using a hood dryer is the best method for drying natural hair.
How to Care for Relaxed Hair
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Relaxers tend to cause the hair to become drier. Therefore, people with relaxed hair should use as little heat as possible. Depending on the type, relaxed hair should be washed with moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners. Pomades (scented ointments) are encouraged, but overuse can clog the pores in the scalp, making it difficult for the pores to breathe. Depending on how fast hair grows, relaxers can be applied to new growth every four to eight weeks.
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How to Care for Weaves/Extensions
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Weaves and hair extensions are a good alternative to giving hair time to recover from the stress of chemical processing, heating and styling. Weaves and extensions should be washed and conditioned as often as needed. If part of the natural or relaxed hair is exposed, less heating and styling is needed. Good conditioning can prevent breakage.
What Chemicals Should be Avoided
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Products containing alcohol can cause excess dryness and should be avoided as much as possible. Relaxers are safe when used properly, but if the scalp has been irritated, the chemicals in relaxers can cause burns. Do not apply relaxers to a scalp that has been scratched or irritated for at least three to five days. Hair dyes should be avoided on relaxed hair to prevent over-processing and excess damage.
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